The other major change for this spring is that the archery-only season will run concurrent with the youth/disabled spring turkey hunting season. "Instead of three days like the youth/disabled hunters have had in the past, it will open April 1 and run to the start of the regular season like the archery-only season did last year (and this year)," Pitman noted.

Kansas turkey hunters will once again be able to get one turkey permit (resident $22.15 and non-resident $32.15) and a second game tag (resident $12.15 and non-resident $22.15) valid in the eastern portion of the state. In years past, biologists considered going to a third tag in these areas, but that dialogue has died down.

"It's been discussed a lot, but given the declines in the eastern part of the state and the continuing increase in permit sales, I'm not sure right now would be a good time to do that, so we've kind of held off on that at this point," Pitman stated. "I'd like to see our bird numbers stabilize and our hunter numbers stabilize and see what happens for a year or two before we go throwing more pressure at the birds."

Pitman's summary of the state of Kansas turkey hunting opportunities: "We've got a good thing going on here in Kansas."

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Turkey hunting is one of the safest sports around, and it's getting even safer. The number of turkey hunting incidents nationwide has dropped dramatically from 8.1 per 100,000 hunters in 1991 to 2.95 per 100,000 hunters in 2005. By following one simple rule, hunters can help ensure the safety of themselves and others in the field: Always be sure of your target before you pull the trigger!

Find more about Great Plains fishing and hunting at: GreatPlainsGameandFish.com